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Italian Sparkling Wines
Sparklers are the sleeper secrets of Italy. These wonderful beverages are becoming the fastest growing segment of the Italian adult beverage industry.
Italian Sparkling Wines
When most people think of Italian wine, they think of the lush, robust reds of the Tuscany or the delicate whites of Piedmont. They don't generally think of sparkling wines, but they should. Italy produces more different kinds of sparkling wines than any other country in the world. In fact, they have been crafting spumantes (literally, sparkling wines) since Roman times, long before Dom Perignon popped his first cork. From the light off dry Proseccos, to the classic Franciacortas, Italian sparklers are varied, tasty, and often quite affordable.
The Making Of Spumante
Most of Italy's sparklers are produced in the cooler regions of northern Italy, particularly Piedmont, Veneto, and Lombardy. Unlike Champagne, most Italian sparklers are made using the Charmat method. Using this method, the wine's second fermentation is done in a tank instead of in the bottles, and the resulting is bottled young. This technique is particularly suited to crisp, low alcohol drinks, such as Asti and Moscato d'Asti. Generally, sparklers produced this way are best consumed when young and have little staying power.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is Italy's sparkling star. Unlike most other Italian sparklers, Franciacorta is made using the Champagne method. That is, it is fermented in the bottles, rather than a vat. This leads to smaller, more plentiful bubbles and a more subtle taste. Franciacorta is a name of a place -- a region in the Lombardy Lake District. The Franciacorta is made using a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero grapes. It is a dry, somewhat complex product, with hints of almond, vanilla, and yellow ripe fruit. According to Italian law, Franciacorta must be aged for at least 18 months, vintage Franciacorta must be aged for at least 18 months, vintage Franciacorta for 30 months. Drink Franciacorta with risottos, seafood, white meat, and baked fish.
Asti
Asti produces a considerable number of excellent sparkling wines. Asti is a place name, a lovely town, set in the gently rolling hills of Piedmont, in the north of Italy. The craggy, limestone soil there is ideal for growing grapes. In addition to the eponymous sparkler, the region of Asti also produces the light and crisp Moscato d'Asti as well as a red sparkler, called Brachetto. Asti has a light, slightly off dry, vaguely peachy flavor, made from 100% Moscato grapes. It has high acidity, which helps to balance its sweetness.
Asti is a non-vintage wine, and since it is best when consumed within one to three years of bottling, it is a good idea to buy Asti from a shop that turns its inventory frequently. Asti is ideal paired with Gorgonzola cheese and by itself as an aperitif.
Written by Bob B Taylor
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